Sunday, July 12, 1998
Sunday, July 12, 1998
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Matthew
6:12
NRSV)
Before the Reformation Martin Luther was in his monk's cell weeping because of his sins. His
confessor, a young man, simply didn't know what to do, so he began repeating the Apostles'
Creed.
"I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ His only
Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose
again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father
Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy
Ghost; the holy Catholic Church; the communion of Saints; the forgiveness of sins; the . . . ."
"Wait!" Luther interrupted his confessor. "What did you say?"
"The forgiveness of sins," Luther said as if savoring each word. "The forgiveness of sins. Then
there is hope for me somewhere.
There is a way to God. Jesus Christ died to provide that way. There is One who sees those broken
hearts and cares, and forgives, and heals, and makes whole.
Prayer: Loving God, I know that I am a sinner, please forgive me and show me your
love. Amen.
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA
"What do you mean, what did I say?"
"That last part. What was it again?"
"Oh, that. I said, I believe in the forgiveness of sins."